New Britain Borough Council is considering two proposed ordinances that would affect real estate. The borough council will consider the draft ordinances at a public hearing during its meeting on Wednesday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Burkart Hall, 56 Keeley Ave. 

• The first proposed ordinance adds a new Chapter 336, Residential Resale Occupancy Permits, in the borough code, which creates a program requiring occupancy permits upon sale of residential properties. The ordinance provides for inspections prior to issuance of an occupancy permit, and upon inspection provides for issuance of an occupancy permit, a temporary occupancy permit, or a temporary access permit if violations or substantial violations of the inspection criteria under the program are found, in compliance with the PA Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act, or Act 133 of 2016. The ordinance allows 12 months for code-related repairs to be completed, also in line with Act 133. 
• The second proposed ordinance amends Chapter 333, Rental Property Registration. The proposal renames the chapter “Residential Rental Property Registration and Inspection” and creates two articles under it. The first article contains the rental property registration requirements already in place. The second article creates a residential rental property inspection program. The program “contemplates” yearly rental permits and inspections, per the ordinance text. 

The ordinances can be viewed at Borough Hall, 45 Keeley Ave., or in the May 8 council meeting agenda packet on Pages 26 and 33.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 7/1/2024